Bombardier Aerospace maintains its high profile in Africa with a major presence at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2006. The Canadian manufacturer and local business aircraft distribution agent ExecuJet South Africa will feature three of its industry-leading business aircraft on static display at Air Force Base Ysterplaat, on September 20-24.
The popular Bombardier Global 5000 super large jet – featuring an all-new factory installed interior - will make its debut appearance at the show, part of a 14-day African demo-tour, during which the aircraft will visit 16 cities in 13 countries on the continent. The super light Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft and super midsize Bombardier Challenger 300 jet will join the Bombardier Global 5000 on static display.
The strong showing reflects Bombardier’s growing presence in Africa with the company capturing 29 per cent of all new business jet deliveries over the past four years. “We are committed to growing our presence in Africa and are pleased to participate once again in the continent’s largest aviation industry gathering,” said Bob Horner, Vice-President, Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We also anticipate that the Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft tour will bring further success and momentum throughout the region.”
Bombardier Regional Aircraft products are also well represented in Africa, where 19 operators in 11 countries fly or have ordered 55 Bombardier Dash 8/Q-Series turboprops and 14 Bombardier CRJ regional jets. These include Bombardier’s new 68- to 78-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop and 90-seat Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet.
Recent orders from Arik Air of Nigeria for two CRJ900 regional jets, Tassili Airlines of Algeria for four Q400 turboprops and South African Express for two Q400 turboprops underscore the intent of South African carriers to upgrade their fleets. Arik Air, for instance will introduce sophisticated regional air transportation within Nigeria and to surrounding countries. Tassili Airlines will initially use its Q400 aircraft to transport oil field workers, but intends to begin scheduled air transportation in the future. South African Express Q400 aircraft serve George, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.
“The Q400 has the lowest operating costs of any regional aircraft, while the CRJ900 offers the lowest operating costs of any 90-seat class aircraft,” said James Dailly, Senior Vice-president, Sales, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Thus they are ideal aircraft for start-up airlines or existing airlines interested in more seating capacity while keeping a firm handle on costs.”
Bombardier aircraft on static display
Bombardier Learjet 45: The powerful and proven Learjet 45 aircraft flies faster and farther, with more passengers than any aircraft in its class. This eight-to-nine passenger jet provides enhanced fuel efficiency, strong reliability and built-in maintainability and is certified to fly up to 51,000 feet (15,545 m), above traffic congestion and inclement weather. Bombardier delivered its 300thLearjet 45 aircraft in June 2006.
Bombardier Challenger 300: This first true super midsize business jet offers superior long-range cruise speed, combined with a full eight-passenger cabin. This impressive jet features a comfortable working environment for travellers and can connect Cape Town-Kinshasa or Cape-Town-Nairobi non-stop with a full payload.
Bombardier Global 5000: With the most spacious cabin in the super large segment, the new high-speed Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft is designed to execute transcontinental missions faster than any competing jet. It features state-of-the-art high-speed Internet connectivity and unmatched entertainment options as standard equipment, as well as a head-up flight display system, with the largest field of view of any business aircraft. The Bombardier Global 5000 can connect Cape Town-Buenos Aires or Johannesburg-Perth non-stop with eight passengers, under certain conditions.
About ExecuJet
ExecuJet South Africa is the continent’s leading supplier of business aviation solutions. Based at Lanseria International Airport, near Johannesburg, ExecuJet South Africa is the exclusive sales representative for the entire family of Bombardier business jets in several African countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and the non-exclusive sales representative for the Indian Ocean islands. In this capacity, ExecuJet has assisted Bombardier in selling and delivering half of all business jets sold into the region since 1992. In addition, ExecuJet is a Bombardier authorized service facility, providing total service and maintenance for Bombardier business jets throughout Africa.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Learjet 45, Challenger 300, Bombardier Global 5000, Dash 8, CRJ900, Q-Series and Q400 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, Communications Media and Public Relations
Bombardier Business Aircraft Bombardier Regional Aircraft
514-855-7988 416-375-3030
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com marc.holloran@aero.bombardier.ca